Sbarro Health Research Organization

07/16/2025

🧬 Why do some women with tiny endometriosis lesions suffer severe pain, while others with larger ones barely notice?

A new study by the Sbarro Health Research Organization (SHRO) suggests the answer lies in the molecular “switches” that are flipped inside the tissue, not the size of the lesions themselves.

🔬 Led by Dr. Canio Martinelli, the research shows that endometriosis can activate any combination of six major biological pathways, many of which are also involved in cancer. These “switches” change how the disease behaves, spreads, and feels for each individual. “The pattern of switches, not the size of the lesions, drives how the disease looks and feels for each patient” - explains Dr. Martinelli, reproductive surgeon and first author of the study.

For SHRO President Dr. Antonio Giordano, these findings mark a turning point: “It’s a wake-up call. If we keep treating endometriosis as one disorder, we’ll keep seeing delayed diagnoses, now averaging seven years, and hit-or-miss therapies. Borrowing cancer’s precision-medicine playbook can change that.”

Prof. Alfredo Ercoli, Director of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit at the University Hospital of Messina and study co-author, adds: “Mapping these pathways lets surgeons plan with oncologic-level precision, predicting which lesions will invade deeply and which can be managed conservatively.”

🧪 The study also lays out a translational roadmap, from lab models to early clinical trials, to develop blood-based diagnostics and non-hormonal therapies.

From a fertility-surgery perspective, Dr. Andrea Vidali MD Endometriosis, Adenomyosis , Miscarriage and Dr. Francesco Di Chiara emphasize the benefits for personalized care: “Seeing endometriosis as several distinct conditions helps patients understand why treatments differ,” they explain. “Two patients both labelled ‘stage III’ often need very different approaches. Now we can point to the biology behind those differences.”

📍 From Naples to Philadelphia, SHRO is committed to transforming science into hope for women worldwide.

🔗 Read the full study here:https://www.annals-research-oncology.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Martinelli_AnnResOncol_Vol5_no2_2025-2.pdf

College of Science and Technology at Temple University Università di Siena Temple University Polo scientifico internazionale Giovan Giacomo Giordano

07/10/2025

This summer, a group of Temple University students is spending time in Siena at the Università di Siena, diving into cutting-edge research and cross-cultural collaboration.

Pictured here is Prof. Andrea Morrione, Director of SHRO’s Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Signal Transduction Program, together with the students during their academic visit in Italy.

This experience reflects SHRO’s mission to promote global scientific exchange and empower the next generation of biomedical researchers.

From Philadelphia to Tuscany, science knows no borders.

Antonio Giordano College of Science and Technology at Temple University Polo scientifico internazionale Giovan Giacomo Giordano Università di Siena Temple University

07/03/2025

⏳ Time matters. Always.

At our 2025 Gala Dinner, we unveiled a special-edition Liu Jo Luxury watch — created in partnership with SHRO to raise awareness on cancer prevention.

This unique timepiece is a powerful reminder: in research, early diagnosis, and life, every second counts.

🔬 The watch is not for sale. It will be the centerpiece of a campaign blending science, fashion, and social awareness.

🧬 Thank you Liu Jo Luxury for helping us turn a stylish object into a universal message of prevention and hope.

07/02/2025

🧬 Professor Antonio Giordano awarded the Palermo University Prize

Professor Antonio Giordano, founder of SHRO, has been awarded the Palermo University Prize by the University of Palermo for his outstanding international contributions to the study of cancer, genetics, and environmental health.

During the ceremony, Prof. Giordano delivered a lecture titled “Genes, Environment and Cancer,” highlighting the relevance of the One Health approach and the need to act in high-risk areas such as Italy’s Terra dei Fuochi.

The event also marked the inauguration of new research laboratories within the University, developed in collaboration with SHRO Italia ETS.

A heartfelt thank you to Rector Prof. Massimo Midiri and Prof. Antonio Russo for their support and vision.

📍Palermo stands tall as a land of science and hope.

Temple University College of Science and Technology at Temple University Università di Siena

06/27/2025

❤ 200.000 Reasons to Keep Fighting.

The SHRO Gala Dinner 2025 was not just an event, it was a powerful reminder that when science meets community, real change happens.

Held in the stunning setting of Vico Equense, Italy, the evening brought together researchers, entrepreneurs, public leaders, and friends from both sides of the Atlantic. Thanks to their generosity, we raised nearly $200,000 in support of our cancer research programs and new fellowships for young scientists.

At SHRO, we are proud to invest over 90% of all donations directly into our research, supporting cutting-edge projects in personalized oncology, molecular biology, and early diagnosis – carried out in our labs across Philadelphia, Naples, Siena, and Torino.

💬 Read how the Italian national newspaper Il Mattino covered this unforgettable evening 👉 https://www.ilmattino.it/schede/gala_dinner_shro_raccolti_200_000_euro_la_ricerca_contro_cancro-8923475.html

To everyone who made this possible: partners, sponsors, supporters, friends – thank you.
Your support fuels our mission. Your trust saves lives.



Temple University College of Science and Technology at Temple University Università di Siena

06/23/2025

📸 From Temple to Siena with SHRO: Empowering the Next Generation of Scientists

Thanks to the international exchange program supported by SHRO, a group of students from Temple University (Philadelphia) is currently experiencing life and learning at the Università di Siena, Italy.

In the photo, the students stand alongside professors and Prof. Antonio Giordano – SHRO President and Professor at both Temple University and the University of Siena.

🎓 Academic mobility between the U.S. and Italy is more than just a cultural experience: it’s a pathway to collaborative science, independent research, and global education.

College of Science and Technology at Temple University Polo scientifico internazionale Giovan Giacomo Giordano

06/18/2025

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV welcomed Prof. Antonio Giordano, president and founder of the Sbarro Health Research Organization (SHRO), during a brief audience held as part of an event promoted by The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF).

In this short encounter, Prof. Giordano showed the Holy Father the SHRO tie created to support the fight against women’s cancers. The project links Italy and the United States with the goal of turning research into treatment. The tie features the SHRO logo and a DNA motif, symbolizing the organization's strong commitment to genetics.

🎀 As a sign of this commitment, a symbolic tie was created in collaboration with the historic Neapolitan atelier M. Cilento dal 1780 Napoli, a unique accessory with a powerful message. A scarf dedicated to women’s cancer prevention was also unveiled.

💝 Proceeds from sales will support a scholarship for young researchers working in SHRO’s laboratories in Philadelphia and across Italy.

Ugo Cilento Polo scientifico internazionale Giovan Giacomo Giordano Temple University College of Science and Technology at Temple University Università di Siena Scuola Superiore Meridionale

06/12/2025

🧬 SHRO featured in Inside Precision Medicine

We’re proud to share that Inside Precision Medicine, one of the leading U.S. medical journals, has published an exclusive interview with Professor Antonio Giordano, President of SHRO – Sbarro Health Research Organization.

The feature highlights our latest study on the gene expression profile in asbestos-related malignant mesothelioma, offering new insight into the molecular pathways involved in this aggressive cancer.

This research is part of SHRO’s commitment to independent, unbiased scientific investigation, driven by a mission to protect public health and advance cancer understanding through molecular biology.

👏 Congratulations to our research team and thank you to Inside Precision Medicine for recognizing the impact of this work.

📖 Read the full article here:
🔗 https://www.insideprecisionmedicine.com/topics/oncology/gene-expression-profile-characterized-in-asbestos-related-mesothelioma/



Temple University College of Science and Technology at Temple University Scuola Superiore Meridionale Polo scientifico internazionale Giovan Giacomo Giordano

Despite significant cancer treatment advances, people with malignant pleural mesothelioma have a median survival of up to 18 months.

06/09/2025

🌟 Join us for an unforgettable evening in the heart of the Sorrentine Peninsula! 🌊✨

On June 25th, the SHRO Gala Dinner returns at the breathtaking Hotel & Resort Le Axidie in Vico Equense, Italy 🇮🇹

🎤 An evening of science, art, and heart featuring:
👩‍🍳 A gourmet dinner by Chef Peppe Guida
🎶 A magical performance by Francesca Maresca, Ambassador of Neapolitan Song
🎹 Accompanied by the incredible pianist Raffaella Mormile

🎙 Hosted by actress Cristiana Dell'Anna and journalist Leonardo Metalli.

Be part of the mission. Support independent cancer research.

💙 For more info: communication@shro.org



Università di Siena Antonio Giordano College of Science and Technology at Temple University Scuola Superiore Meridionale Polo scientifico internazionale Giovan Giacomo Giordano

06/06/2025

🇮🇹 A Historic Meeting for a Healthier Future

We are proud to share a significant moment for our organization and our mission.

Professor Antonio Giordano, President of SHRO and Board Member of NIAF, met with Sergio Mattarella, President of the Italian Republic, during an institutional meeting held together with The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF).

This encounter marks a powerful step forward in our commitment to building bridges between science and society, between Italy and the United States.

At SHRO, we believe that innovation in healthcare must go hand in hand with inclusion, dialogue, and global cooperation. Moments like this inspire us to keep pushing forward for more equitable, people-centered medical research and healthcare.

🔬 Together, we turn science into hope.
🌍 Together, we make health a shared value.



College of Science and Technology at Temple University Temple University Scuola Superiore Meridionale Università di Siena Antonio Giordano Polo scientifico internazionale Giovan Giacomo Giordano

06/03/2025

🎉 Big news from SHRO!

We’re thrilled to share that our founder and president, Professor Antonio Giordano, has been appointed to Italy’s Supreme Health Council (Consiglio Superiore di Sanità) the highest scientific advisory body to the Italian Ministry of Health.

This prestigious appointment recognizes Dr. Giordano’s lifelong dedication to cancer research, public health, and environmental justice, as well as his decades of work bridging science between the U.S. and Italy.

From leading molecular oncology breakthroughs to exposing the health impacts of illegal toxic waste in Southern Italy, Dr. Giordano has always believed that science must serve society.

At SHRO, we’re proud to reinvest over 90% of our funding directly into research, supporting a new generation of international scientists committed to making a difference.

👏 Please join us in congratulating Prof. Giordano on this major milestone and renewed opportunity to shape public health policy on a national level.



College of Science and Technology at Temple University Temple University Polo scientifico internazionale Giovan Giacomo Giordano Università di Siena

05/28/2025

🧬 Cancer Immunotherapy: A Hidden Risk Few Talk About

Rheumatic complications are silently rising among cancer patients treated with immunotherapy and they’re often misdiagnosed. Our latest SHRO-led research, developed between the U.S. and Italy, sheds light on this underrecognized medical challenge.

🩺 “We’re not just treating cancer anymore,” says Dr. Martinelli. “We’re treating complex, overlapping conditions that demand a whole new clinical mindset.”

🧠 The old “one disease, one doctor” model? It’s outdated.

It’s time to break the silos. Onco-rheumatology is frontline.

➡️ Read more about how our scientists are working to redefine care for patients caught between cancer and autoimmune reactions.
https://academic.oup.com/rheumap/advance-article/doi/10.1093/rap/rkaf053/8127926?searchresult=1&login=false



Università di Siena Scuola Superiore Meridionale Temple University College of Science and Technology at Temple University